Limited Access Drilling

Hoff Geotechnik offers limited access drilling services for mining and civil engineering industry. Hoff Geotechnik's limited access drilling services were originally developed from landslide remediation and rockfall hazards mitigation projects. Our limited access drilling services have now been extended to cover slope stabilization projects for deep excavations such as mine box-cuts, hydro-power plants, decline shaft or underground access portals. Hoff Geotechnik's limited access drilling system design and safety framework was developed as early as 2003 by our founders. 

Hoff Geotechnik's service offering is a full turn-key package encompassing all technical designs, safety risk assessments and practical execution.

The alternative to limited access drilling is a set-up involving scaffolding and high-access cranes. In most rockfall hazards mitigation projects; cranes and scaffolding are not feasible; and therefore limited access drilling is the only practical way to do the job. 

Limited access drilling has no limitation in terms of height, access, or space. Importantly, the disturbance on the surrounding environment is minimal compared to conventional methods.

Limited access drilling is key for all rockfall hazards mitigation projects, slope stabilization, slope depressurization, pre-split blastholes; and geotechnical monitoring projects. This is because this type of projects are usually associated with drilling using specialized systems and in small spaces.

Hoff Geotechnik is highly experienced on drilling from suspended platforms at any height, whether it is below ground or in mountainous terrain. We can also drill through any geological formation, including soft and very hard rock. Typical applications of restricted-access drilling include:

• Pre-split drilling in mining and civil engineering

• Blasthole drilling in mining and civil engineering

• Horizontal drain hole drilling (weep-holes) in mining and civil engineering

• Limited access drilling and blasting on steep slopes

• Slope stabilization and landslide remediation over steep slopes

• Rockfall protection projects along mountaneous terrains and cliffs

The advantages of limited access drilling can positively influence major projects in the following manner:

• Improved productivity due to quick access

• Improved safety due to working according to the international code of practice 

• Efficient system using only certified equipment 

• Reduced cost of access 

• Careful planning and documented risk assessments

• Experienced and certified high access technicians